Play-off final preview: Leeds United vs Southampton

Leeds United are just one game away from an immediate return to the Premier League as the Whites take on Southampton in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley.

After a grueling 46-game regular season and semi-final success over Norwich City, it now comes down to the main event in the capital, with Daniel Farke finishing third in the league table.

United booked their place in the final after a resounding success in the second leg against the Canaries on a memorable evening under the Elland Road lights.

Heading into the clash goalless after a trip to Norfolk, a whirlwind first half saw goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter fire Leeds into a three-goal lead before the break.

Gruev’s quick thinking got the Whites off to a dream start with an inventive free-kick that caught Angus Gunn at the near post.

Piroe would make it two soon after, well placed at the back post to head home Wilfried Gnonto’s dangerous cross, before Georginio’s long-range shot under the crossbar extended the lead.

🔥 That cross! 😍 That header! pic.twitter.com/Ijs7Mj1y43

– Leeds United (@LUFC) May 17, 2024

Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville added a fourth with just over 20 minutes remaining to take his tally to 21 in all competitions this season to book a first visit to the national stadium since 2008 for the club.

Meanwhile, Southampton head into the clash after beating West Bromwich Albion in the semi-final thanks to a strong second-half display at St Mary’s.

Goalless after the first leg in the Midlands, Will Smallbone put Saints ahead shortly after the break on the south coast, with striker Adam Armstrong’s late brace ensuring Cedric Kipre’s header proved to be something else than a consolation for the visiting Baggies. .

The action at Wembley kicks off at 3pm.

A special atmosphere at Elland Road:

🤍 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑 pic.twitter.com/gEWvfycAD5

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 19, 2024

The pitch is for the players and the stands are for the spectators:

• No matter what stage of the season we are in, people have to respect that the pitch is for the players and the stands are for the spectators.
• It is against the law to enter the grounds at any time and anyone doing so will face a ban and police action.
• Recent pitch incursions have brought football bans, prosecution and criminal records – this can affect employment, education and international travel.
• Everyone should feel safe at football, but pitch incursions put everyone at risk because at the time it’s impossible to tell the difference between a celebration and an attack.
• Entering the field will also likely result in penalties for the club, so don’t damage the team or other fans.
• From fans to stewards to players, we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe on match days.
• We have to protect each other, the club and the game.

How to watch:

The match is available to watch live in selected territories. Live audio commentary is available worldwide with Bryn Law and club legend Tony Dorigo for monthly audio subscribers, which includes video creation at video.leedsunited.com. Buy the match pass HERE.

Supporters can also follow all the updates live on leedsunited.com with our online blog throughout the match.

The match was also selected for live television coverage in the UK on Sky Sports. For more information on how to watch the game in the rest of the world, please see our ‘How to Watch’ guide on leedsunited.com before kick-off!

Behind the scenes of our semi-final:

🎬 Uncut: Oh, What a Night!
Go to YouTube and go behind the scenes of Thursday’s play-off semi-final win at Elland Road with @HisenseUK

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 19, 2024

Important Supporter Information:

Discriminatory language or singing is not acceptable and you may be breaking the law. The club condemns this behavior and has a zero tolerance policy towards discriminatory abuse of any kind.

All English football leagues have tough measures and sanctions in place to tackle dangerous and illegal behavior on football pitches and this includes, but is not limited to, discriminatory behaviour, chants of tragedy, fans entering the pitch, using pyrotechnics and throwing of objects.

More information about Wembley Stadium, including travel tips and food and drink options in and around the stadium can be found HERE.

What Daniel Farke said before the match:

🎙️ Pre-Match Press: Play-Offffll
Daniel Farke talks to the media ahead of Sunday’s final against Southampton https://t.co/7Cj2DxQdCy

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 24, 2024

Head to head:

Wins: 48

Draws: 22

Losses: 30

Top Scorer 2023/24:

Leeds: Crysencio Summerville (21)

Southampton: Adam Armstrong (23)

League position:

Leeds: 3rd

Southampton: fourth

Memories against Southampton:

⏪ Rewind: Southampton pic.twitter.com/jcXx4sb3pF

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 22, 2024

Officials:

Referee – John Brooks

Assistant Referees – Simon Bennett, Daniel Robathan

Fourth Official – Tony Harrington

Video Assistant Referee – Jarred Gillett

Additional Video Assistant Referee – Darren Cann